When Life Runs Out, the Fun Begins-Chapter 30 – Elder Mu's reward

The morning sunlight scattered over Yunqi Peak like shattered gold, tinting the swirling mist with a warm hue. Inside the Listening Bamboo Pavilion, the green bamboo swayed gently, casting shadows of leaves, while the air was filled with fresh spiritual energy and a faint fragrance of grass and wood.
Mu Xiaochuan stood with his hands behind his back by the window, his gaze distant, a subtle, indescribable smile on his lips. The events of the past few days had indeed been unexpected, yet they filled his heart with a secret thrill.
He had thought that his previous almost arrogant actions—forcefully altering the assessment rules, publicly slapping a defiant disciple, and openly favoring those close to him—would draw much criticism and possibly incite dissatisfaction and resistance among the disciples.
However, the reality was quite the opposite.
Since the day he used thunderous means to intimidate Qian Jiangyuan and lavishly rewarded the meritorious disciples, the atmosphere in the Heaven Vault Pavilion had undergone a peculiar change. The disciples' gazes towards him were no longer filled with doubt and criticism but rather deep reverence, and even near-blind worship.
After the Outer Sect assessment, the disciples' enthusiasm for cultivation did not diminish but increased. They trained diligently, competing fiercely as if they were on stimulants. The Inner Sect selection also concluded smoothly, with the selected candidates eager to prove themselves, while the unselected, though disappointed, no longer questioned the fairness of the rules. Instead, they set their sights on the next opportunity, determined to improve their strength.
Even his blatant favoritism in elevating Su Yao and Lin Yue's rankings was met with private discussions among the disciples, but more with envy and a sense of "as expected." In their eyes, the strong and those in power seemed naturally entitled to act as they pleased, and those who depended on the strong seemed naturally entitled to enjoy the protection and benefits.
"Heh..." Mu Xiaochuan chuckled softly, shaking his head. This was the cultivation world where strength reigned supreme, and the weak were prey to the strong. Talk of winning people over with virtue was nonsense.
At that moment, Lin Yue's respectful voice came through: "Elder Mu, Elder Liu from Purple Mist Peak requests an audience."
"Oh? Let her in." Mu Xiaochuan raised an eyebrow, calculating that Liu Ruyan's seclusion to stabilize her realm should be about finished.
Liu Yunxia entered with a bow and said, "Elder Mu, my master invites you to Purple Mist Peak!"
Mu Xiaochuan nodded, "Understood, I'll head there immediately."
Without any delay, Mu Xiaochuan summoned the Greenwood Spirit-Pattern Staff, transforming into a green streak, shooting towards Purple Mist Peak.
In a flash, he arrived at the summit of Purple Mist Peak. Outside Liu Ruyan's cave abode, the spiritual energy still lingered, but the frost that once covered the flowers and grass had melted, indicating that the owner had emerged from seclusion.
Before he could approach, the cave door creaked open, and Liu Ruyan stood at the entrance, her face full of charm and joy, yet tinged with a hint of worry.
"Senior Brother!" Upon seeing Mu Xiaochuan, Liu Ruyan quickly stepped forward, taking his hand and leading him into the cave abode.
Once the door closed, shutting out the outside world, Liu Ruyan released his hand, leaning against Mu Xiaochuan: "Senior Brother, I've missed you!"
"I've missed you too," Mu Xiaochuan replied affectionately. "Have you familiarized yourself with the cultivation technique and spiritual artifact?"
"Yes, I've gotten quite familiar with them. I don't foresee any issues in the upcoming competition. However, how did the jade slip just vanish into thin air?"
"Heh, as long as you're familiar with them," Mu Xiaochuan chuckled without explanation.
"But there's something I need to tell you," Liu Ruyan said worriedly.
"Take your time, what's the matter?" Mu Xiaochuan asked, already having some guesses from her expression.
Liu Ruyan took a deep breath to calm herself before speaking slowly, "Actually, I came out of seclusion last night and hadn't had the chance to inform you. Unexpectedly... Liang Yichen, the Vice Sect Master, came!"
"Liang Yichen?" Mu Xiaochuan's eyes narrowed. The name was not unfamiliar to him; it was the shadow he had glimpsed outside Liu Ruyan's cave abode before, the Vice Sect Master of the Qingling Sect, reputedly at the Ninth Level of Foundation Establishment, second only to the Sect Master and a few Supreme Elders.
"Did he come to do that?" Mu Xiaochuan asked.
Liu Ruyan's face turned pale, biting her lip, she whispered, "He... he seems to have sensed something. Ever since you started visiting me frequently, he's been suspicious. Yesterday, he came under the pretense of congratulating me on my breakthrough, then wanted to stay the night."
At this, a look of determination and disgust flashed in Liu Ruyan's eyes: "I now have only you in my heart, how could I pretend with him? I told him directly not to come again. Who knew..."
Liu Ruyan's voice trembled slightly: "Who knew he would fly into a rage! He said I was ungrateful and threatened to teach you a lesson..."
Liang Yichen! What a Vice Sect Master! Not only coveting his woman, but also daring to insult him like this!
"And then?" Mu Xiaochuan wasn't worried, instead, he smiled playfully.
Sensing Mu Xiaochuan's lack of fear, Liu Ruyan felt slightly reassured and continued, "Of course, I won't have any dealings with him anymore. He seemed to have some concerns too and left after making threats!"
After speaking, Liu Ruyan looked up, her beautiful eyes filled with worry and guilt: "Senior Brother, I'm sorry, it's all my fault for dragging you into this..."
Seeing Liu Ruyan's tear-streaked, self-blaming appearance, a wave of warmth and a strong sense of possessiveness surged in Mu Xiaochuan's heart.
This woman, for his sake, was willing to fall out with the powerful Vice Sect Master. How could he not be moved by such affection and loyalty?
He gently pulled Liu Ruyan into his arms, feeling her trembling body, and softly said, "Silly girl, what are you apologizing for? You've done very well, extremely well!"
He lifted Liu Ruyan's chin, looking into her moist eyes: "Since you're my woman, I will naturally protect you."
"Senior Brother, the difference in strength is too great. Even if we join forces, we're no match for him..." Liu Ruyan was still a bit uneasy.
"Haha, no worries, I have my ways," Mu Xiaochuan confidently patted Liu Ruyan's back.
Liu Ruyan hugged Mu Xiaochuan tightly, burying her face in his chest, feeling the strength that reassured her.
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for gaining the affection and loyalty of a beauty, making yourself feel thrilled, and earning 25 Thrill Points."
The system's prompt sounded at the right moment, further lifting Mu Xiaochuan's spirits.
After comforting Liu Ruyan for a while, Mu Xiaochuan released her, his face returning to calm, even with a hint of disdain: "As for Liang Yichen's threat, there's no need for you to worry, Junior Sister."
"But... he's the Vice Sect Master, with profound cultivation and immense power..." Liu Ruyan was still anxious.
Mu Xiaochuan sneered, "So what if he's the Vice Sect Master? The Qingling Sect has rules prohibiting internal strife, especially forbidding high-level cultivators from oppressing lower-level disciples without cause. Even if Liang Yichen has the guts, he wouldn't dare to act against me openly within the sect, or he wouldn't get past the Sect Master and the Supreme Elders."
Though he spoke confidently, Mu Xiaochuan wasn't truly reckless. As he said, "One must always be cautious." Liang Yichen held a high position and had far superior cultivation, so while he wouldn't act openly, he might resort to underhanded tactics or ambushes, which couldn't be ignored.
It seemed it was time to boost his strength once more! Only personal power was the most reliable safeguard!
After bidding farewell to the still slightly uneasy Liu Ruyan, advising her to focus on her cultivation and ignore external disturbances, Mu Xiaochuan returned to the Listening Bamboo Pavilion.
After dismissing Su Yao and Lin Yue, Mu Xiaochuan immediately entered a state of cultivation, sinking his mind into his consciousness to communicate with the Thrill System.
"Open the attribute panel!"
Host: Mu Xiaochuan
Thrill Points: 390
Realm: First Level of Foundation Establishment
Cultivation Technique: Withered Tree Revives Technique (Minor Achievement), Dragon-Subduing Staff Technique (Entry Level)
Secondary Cultivation: None
Spiritual Artifact: Greenwood Spirit-Pattern Staff (Mid-Grade Spiritual Artifact)
Three hundred and seventy Thrill Points! Accumulated over this period, he had amassed such a substantial fortune!
"System, recommend the strongest Earth-grade defensive armor!" Mu Xiaochuan ordered directly. What he needed most now was a life-saving trump card.
The system panel flashed, and a dazzling array of armor information appeared. Mu Xiaochuan carefully filtered through them, finally locking his gaze on an inner armor that was entirely pitch-black, exuding a metallic and scaly sheen.
[Black Tortoise Ink Scale Armor]: Earth-grade low-grade armor, crafted primarily from the shell of a ten-thousand-year-old Black Tortoise and the reverse scales of a Deep Sea Ink Kylin, supplemented with Star Iron Essence. Its defense is astonishing, capable of withstanding most physical and magical attacks below the early Golden Elixir stage, and it comes with "Turtle Breath Stealth" and "Spiritual Energy Rebound" effects. Price: 300 Thrill Points.
Earth-grade armor! Capable of withstanding attacks below the early Golden Elixir stage! With stealth and rebound effects!
"This is it!" Mu Xiaochuan decided without hesitation, "Purchase and equip!"
"Ding! Successfully purchased [Black Tortoise Ink Scale Armor], consuming 300 Thrill Points, remaining Thrill Points: 90. The armor has been automatically equipped."
In an instant, Mu Xiaochuan felt a heavy and resilient power merge into his body, as if an invisible barrier had formed beneath his skin, cool and solid, providing an unprecedented sense of security. Simultaneously, the methods for using "Turtle Breath Stealth" and "Spiritual Energy Rebound" became instantly clear in his mind.
With this armor, facing Liang Yichen, at least in terms of defense, he had full confidence!
Next, it was time for weapons and cultivation techniques.
"System, upgrade the [Greenwood Spirit-Pattern Staff] to an Earth-grade low-grade spiritual artifact!"
"Ding! Upgrading [Greenwood Spirit-Pattern Staff] to Earth-grade low-grade [Azure Dragon Soul-Suppressing Wood] requires 30 Thrill Points. Confirm?"
"Confirm!"
A brilliant light shone, and the Greenwood Spirit-Pattern Staff in Mu Xiaochuan's hand underwent a complete transformation. The originally verdant staff became deeper in color, faintly appearing dark green, with profound spirit patterns flowing continuously, as if alive. On the staff, a vivid Azure Dragon totem emerged, its eyes opening and closing, exuding a soul-stirring power. A more majestic and weighty force emanated from the staff.
[Azure Dragon Soul-Suppressing Wood]: Earth-grade low-grade spiritual artifact, forged from the heart of a thousand-year-old greenwood and the soul blood of an Azure Dragon, incredibly tough, weighing over a thousand pounds, capable of summoning wind and thunder when wielded, with a certain deterrent effect on the soul. Originally a low-grade Xuan-grade item, it can no longer be upgraded.
"What a staff!" Mu Xiaochuan caressed the newly transformed Azure Dragon Soul-Suppressing Wood, feeling the immense power within, and nodded in satisfaction.
Finally, it was time for cultivation techniques. Although the Dragon-Subduing Staff Technique was decent, its grade was only low-grade Xuan, which seemed inadequate when paired with an Earth-grade low-grade spiritual artifact.
"System, upgrade the [Dragon-Subduing Staff Technique] to the level of mastery!"
The purchase price of the [Dragon-Subduing Staff Technique] was 20 Thrill Points, requiring 10 Thrill Points (half) to upgrade to entry level, 20 Thrill Points (double) to minor achievement, and 40 Thrill Points (double) to mastery.
"Ding! Upgrading [Dragon-Subduing Staff Technique] proficiency to mastery requires 60 Thrill Points. Confirm?"
"Confirm!"
Instantly, a vast amount of insights, techniques, and variations regarding the Dragon-Subduing Staff Technique surged into Mu Xiaochuan's mind like a tide. The previously somewhat awkward staff technique moves now became smooth and effortless in his mind, easily executed. The connection between each move became more fluid and natural, and the power increased exponentially. He felt as if he had practiced this staff technique for decades, with every detail reaching perfection!
Checking the panel again:
Host: Mu Xiaochuan
Thrill Points: 0
Realm: First Level of Foundation Establishment
Cultivation Technique: Withered Tree Revives Technique (Minor Achievement), Dragon-Subduing Staff Technique (Mastery)
Secondary Cultivation: None
Spiritual Artifact: Azure Dragon Soul-Suppressing Wood (Earth-grade low-grade spiritual artifact)
Equipment: Black Tortoise Ink Scale Armor (Earth-grade low-grade)
The Thrill Points were gone again, but Mu Xiaochuan felt stronger than ever! With Earth-grade armor for protection, an Earth-grade spiritual artifact in hand, and a Xuan-grade staff technique at mastery! Though his realm was still at the First Level of Foundation Establishment, his actual combat power could likely challenge even mid-Foundation Establishment cultivators!
With his strength greatly increased, Mu Xiaochuan felt an overwhelming urge to unleash his power. Eager to vent, he thought of two perfect "sparring" partners.
He left the Listening Bamboo Pavilion, directly sending a message to Leng Yunjian and Xiao Yunhe, who were busy in the Heaven Vault Pavilion: "Come to the Inner Sect Martial Practice Arena immediately, this Elder will give you some guidance!"
Leng Yunjian and Xiao Yunhe, upon receiving the message, dared not delay and quickly set aside their tasks, rushing to the Inner Sect Martial Practice Arena at top speed.
In the arena, Mu Xiaochuan stood with the newly transformed Azure Dragon Soul-Suppressing Wood, exuding a masterly aura.
"Elder Mu, you called for us?" The two greeted him respectfully, puzzled yet pleased, unsure of the reason for this sudden summons.
Mu Xiaochuan's lips curled into a "kind" smile: "Indeed. Seeing how you've been busy with Heaven Vault Pavilion affairs lately, your cultivation might have slacked. Today, this Elder will personally test your strength and... help you loosen up."
With that, he suddenly suppressed his Foundation Establishment aura, revealing only the Qi Refining Ninth Level aura, similar to the two of them.
"This Elder will suppress his cultivation to the Qi Refining Ninth Level. You two, come at me with all you've got!"
Leng Yunjian and Xiao Yunhe exchanged glances, seeing a hint of bitterness but also a trace of excitement in each other's eyes. They knew that although Elder Mu's methods were domineering, he never shortchanged his own people. This "guidance" was likely to be "painful yet joyful."
"Please instruct us, Elder Mu!" The two dared not slack, each taking out their magical artifacts, ready for battle. Leng Yunjian wielded a slender ice crystal dagger, while Xiao Yunhe had a heavy black iron shield and a short-handled battle axe.
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"Watch closely!" Mu Xiaochuan shouted, making his move!
He didn't use any flashy footwork, just a simple "Dragon's Tail Flick," and the Azure Dragon Soul-Suppressing Wood in his hand swept out with a momentum as heavy as a mountain yet swift as lightning!
The staff shadows multiplied, resembling a dark green Azure Dragon baring its fangs and claws, tearing through the air with a sharp whistle!
Dragon-Subduing Staff Technique, mastery!
Leng Yunjian and Xiao Yunhe felt an overwhelming pressure coming at them, the soul-suppressing power within the staff shadows causing their souls to tremble even before the attack landed!
"Not good!" Xiao Yunhe, experienced, roared, raising his black iron shield in front of him, channeling all his spiritual power into it.
"Freeze!" Leng Yunjian reacted quickly, thrusting her ice crystal dagger, releasing streams of white cold air to freeze the incoming staff shadows.
And so, the three of them engaged in a fierce exchange of staff strikes, dagger thrusts, and shield blocks.
The staff in Mu Xiaochuan's hand seemed alive, starting with a thrust like a pine tree breaking through the earth, piercing the sky; in motion, it was like a dragon flicking its tail, sweeping in all directions; in retreat, it was like a crow perching on a branch, as steady as a mountain. The entire set of movements flowed seamlessly, showcasing the staff technique's intricacy.
Despite being battered and bruised, Leng Yunjian and Xiao Yunhe continued to struggle, desperately defending themselves.
"Clang!"
A deafening clash of metal!
Xiao Yunhe felt an unstoppable force transmitted from the shield, his palm splitting open, blood flowing, as he was sent flying over ten meters, crashing heavily to the ground, spitting a mouthful of blood. The black iron shield bore a clear dent!
Leng Yunjian's cold air was easily shattered upon contact with the Azure Dragon Soul-Suppressing Wood, the soul-suppressing power brushing past her, causing her head to buzz as if struck by a heavy hammer, her vision darkening as she collapsed, blood trickling from her mouth.
After completing the staff technique, despite holding back his power, Mu Xiaochuan still easily overwhelmed the two strongest Inner Sect disciples of the Heaven Vault Pavilion!
Standing with his staff, Mu Xiaochuan looked at the two struggling to rise but powerless, a satisfied smile on his face.
This strike, unleashing his upgraded power, left him feeling utterly refreshed, his mind clear!
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for thoroughly testing your strength, making yourself feel thrilled, and earning 30 Thrill Points."
Mu Xiaochuan, content, immediately exchanged for two mid-grade Qi-Gathering Pills from the Thrill System Shop.
Yet these two, despite their pain, felt secretly pleased.
As expected, just as they had hoped. Mu Xiaochuan retrieved two jade bottles from his storage pouch and tossed them over casually.
"Take these, one mid-grade Qi-Gathering Pill each, go heal your injuries."
Upon hearing this, Leng Yunjian and Xiao Yunhe felt as if they were injected with adrenaline, their pain seemingly lessened. They struggled to their feet, disregarding their injuries and the blood at their mouths, kneeling on the ground, holding the jade bottles with trembling hands:
"Th-thank you, Elder Mu, for your reward!"